EU eases its sanctions against Zimbabwe after vote

Brussels: The European Union is further easing sanctions against Zimbabwe after the country`s successful referendum on a new constitution.

EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton announced today that the 27 member nations would immediately suspend sanctions against 81 individuals and eight entities. President Robert Mugabe, his top military and police commanders, and members of his administration remain on the sanctions list.

Ashton`s statement said "a number of key decision makers will remain subject to restrictive measures until peaceful, transparent and credible elections have been achieved."
The EU has always said Zimbabwe needs to be rewarded to maintain its pace of reforms, but still wants to keep the pressure on.
Despite the sanctions relief, Ashton complained about "recent reports of intimidation and harassment against some political activists and civil society representatives."